AQW 22574/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 13/02/2025
Answered On Date: 17/02/2025
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to provide a breakdown of estimated costs for each action in the Special Education Needs Reform Agenda five-year Delivery Plan which amount to the estimated £570 million total.

Answer:

As set out in the SEN Reform Agenda costings will be finessed in detailed implementation plans and in collaboration with key delivery partners.

An analysis of the current SEN financial model has identified opportunities to restructure existing resource towards more effective interventions and support, creating return on investment as well as opportunities for better outcomes for children and young people with SEN. There are also opportunities to draw in additional investment.

A bid has been made to the Interim NICS Transformation Board which if successful will enable us to commence the phased implementation of this long-term inclusive SEN Reform Agenda. We will also seek opportunities within education and with other identified partners in Health and Economy, the voluntary and community and private sectors to jointly fund actions facilitating not only value for money, but a collaborative and child-centred approach to investment